I became involved with the renovation to “The Women’s Building”, a bungalow located at Byron and Hamlin in Independence Park at the request of 39th Ward Alderman Marge Laurino. For years she has thought about heading up a committee to get this bungalow renovated and needed some of the community residents to take it on as a project. I was new to the neighborhood, both of my parents grew up in bungalows and this particular bungalow just oozes with charm and possibilities. So I agreed.
Recently in Irving Park Category
Margaret Kiesz beat cancer almost 10 years ago. But it's back, this time in her bones. Sometimes she aches.
If the pain comes when certain people are around, she forces a smile.
Kiesz runs a foundation in Irving Park that helps immigrant women with breast cancer who struggle speaking English to understanding their treatment and pay their bills while they fight the disease.
"Everyone look at you, and you have to give them power, even when you not so good feelings about your body," Kiesz says, smiling.
"I try to show that you can fight with everything you have, even if it's hard."
Continue reading Margaret Kiesz -- Survivor.
At his best, Mark Konkol is a White Sox fan. He lives on the South Side. He
enjoys cold beer. At one time or another over the last 10 years, he's covered Chicago and Cook County government, city schools, transportation and the ins-and-outs of neighborhood life. E-mail him at mkonkol@suntimes.com.
